EKO40 Wood Loading Change

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I have an EKO 40 that I have been running for the last 5 years. I usually burn wood that is 18 inches long. This fall I got 4 cords of wood delivered that was 14 and 15 inches long. I am not sure why he cut it so small, but I did not complain. I began this winter by burning the wood the normal way by putting the wood in length wise. This left lots of room in front of the firebox. Last month I decided to put the wood in cross wise. I have been burning this way for a month now . This has been my best month for burning for the last 5 years. I have not had any bridging and have had longer burns. I can get more wood in the firebox this way. I now plan on cutting all my wood to 15 inches and loading the firebox the opposite way than the manufacture recommends.
 
Bulldog,
Do you think the longer burn times are just due to the fact that you have more wood in the firebox or is it something else?
I guess the only down side is a few more cuts on each log when you are bucking it up.
 
Bulldog,
Do you think the longer burn times are just due to the fact that you have more wood in the firebox or is it something else?
I guess the only down side is a few more cuts on each log when you are bucking it up.

I think it is a little of both. The floor of the firebox is always covered with wood and I have a deep layer of embers. One thing nice I always have some space on either side of the firebox so when the fan turns on it can blow air all the way to the back of the firebox.
 
Based on my experience I would think I'd get more bridging with this method. With small (thin, not short) splits the bridging problem should go away. I generally run 18" splits +/- that are usually no more than 4" wide. I can cram a lot of wood in the chamber with these sizes...
 
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